1. Schedule time for yourself every week

Use this time to do something that you enjoy. This may be watching your favorite television show, baking, or maybe reading. Just make sure that it’s something that will help you de-stress and unwind.

2. Make an effort to connect with others

Humans are social creatures. Interacting with friends and family on a regular basis is a great way to invite happiness into your life.

Make more of a point to spend quality time with the people that you love. Turn off your electronics and allow yourself to fully focus on enjoying the company of others.

This also applies to professional relationships. You don’t have to be best friends with your colleagues and peers, but being on good terms with them makes work or school a much more positive environment. This could be achieved by bringing food in to share, or just by having a friendly conversation.

6. Remember to appreciate the little things

Take nothing for granted. Pay attention to the small things in your life that make you make you happy; even if it is something as little as having fresh flowers in your home.

Make a note of what brings you joy and make a point to do these things more often. This will give you the ability to find happiness in every day.

7. Stop worrying about what others think of you

A major source of unhappiness is low self-esteem and confidence. In today’s society, we spend so much time worrying about what others think about our appearance, or how many likes we get on our latest Instagram post.

13. Laugh a little

Laughter can bring immense joy into your life. Read a silly joke once a day, go to a comedy show every now and then, or watch a funny video on the internet.

Bring more of whatever makes you giggle into your life.

14. Take pride in your work

Even if what you do for a living isn’t something that you are extremely passionate about, treating every task as something that is worthwhile and worthy of your full attention will help you be more satisfied with your work.

15. Get more rest

If you are well rested, you’ll be ready to face the day with a positive attitude and less inclined to be cranky.

When you sleep, your body and mind are given a chance to recuperate and get prepared for all of the tasks that you have to complete in the following day.

The Takeaway

Look at this year as a fresh start. You have the capability to be happier with your life. These strategies can give you inspiration for ways that you can turn this resolution into a reality.

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Lauren Pickens is a freelance writer and Inspiyr contributor. She holds Bachelor of Arts in Communications and enjoys writing about lifestyle and culture. To read more of her writing, visit her website.